VIMN Names European EVP

Viacom International Media Networks has named Magnus Kastner as executive vice president and managing director of the company’s Northern European business beginning in February.

In his new role, Kastner will oversee all of VIMN’s brands and businesses across Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland.

VIMN’s brands and businesses in the region include MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, VIVA, VH1, TMF, a suite of digital media services and Mobile Brand Licensing, which provides an MTV-branded mobile phone experience to subscribers in partnership with mobile operators.

“We’re thrilled to have Magnus join our team at Viacom International Media Networks, as he has a long history of success in guiding and growing businesses across Europe and the Middle East,” says Bob Bakish, president and chief executive officer, VIMN, to whom Kastner will report. “In his previous management positions, he provided strong, strategic vision and leadership that drove the organizations to several major commercial and creative wins, and we know that he’ll bring that great experience and expertise to VIMN as the head of our Northern European business.”

Before joining VIMN, Kastner was president of Rotana Media Services, a media company based in Dubai. Prior to that, he was managing director and senior vice president of Discovery Networks Germany, Austria and Switzerland from 2006 to 2011. He also held executive roles a Optimum Media Direction and Yahoo Germany, as well as sales roles at SevenOneMedia, MTV Europe and MTV Germany.

“Returning to Viacom feels like coming home after all these years,” says Kastner. “It’s an honor to join the VIMN North team, and I’m looking forward to working closely with colleagues, partners and clients to build on the momentum the VIMN brands and businesses already have in the region.”